A Simple Catholic Guide and Information about its Teaching, Prayers and Traditions

Saint James, Patron Saint of Arthritis and Rheumatism Sufferers

The brothers James and John were among the very first disciples to whom Jesus said, “Follow me.” When Jesus raised Jairu’s daughter from the dead, He only allowed Peter, James, and John to come with him. When He went up to the mountain to pray and be transfigured, they were the only ones allowed to follow. Jesus chose Peter, James, and John to join Him in the Garden of Gethsemane for His final prayer before His arrest. It must have hurt Jesus that the three of them fell asleep on that agonizing evening.

Tradition tells us that Saint James preached in Samaria, Judea, and Spain, before King Herod killed him in 44 AD, making him one of the first martyrs of the Church. In the end, James the Apostle followed Jesus all the way, and now enjoys eternal joy with His Master in the fullness of the Kingdom.